My panel arrived for the project ‘Le Cadeau du Cheval’, a mural that will be unveiled at this year’s Masters at Spruce Meadows, Calgary Alberta.

Here is what it looks like:

The final work must keep at least 80% of the tonal range provided. With the colouring of my panel ranging from violets to blues, I have decided to work with a horse that is grey in colour. This way I can naturally blend the blues and violets into the shadow tones of the horse.

I have two images in my image bank that I love.  I have been wanted do something with these two for some time and they might lend themselves to working with well for this project. I would love to know my readers thoughts and opinions on these mock ups, so don’t hesitate to send in your comments! 🙂

The first one is an image taken of Tarquinn, a stallion by the legendary trakhener stallion, Abdullah. This shot was taken shortly after he was turned out. He definitely was feeling fresh!

I love the blue shadowed light and the strong contrasts in the image. This image is bold and feel I could capture the stud’s ‘heated’ expression with much emotion. However it is a little less traditional than your average *pretty* horse painting.  As a quick computer mock up, it could look something like this on the panel:

OR:

The other layout I am leaning towards would use an older grey warmblood, who was strutting his stuff for me this winter.   

He has an engaging expression and plenty of movement in his gait as well as his mane and forelock. Again, quickly and roughly mocked up on the computer it could look something like this:   

The background colours of the panel I could maintain and the shadow of the horse could easily be incorporated into the blue streak on the bottom of the panel. I might place him further to the right of the panel and use his shadow to create a more assymetrical look, balancing off with a long shadow to the left on the bottom…hmm..so many ideas!  Comments and thoughts welcomed and encouraged!